Dr Amir Khan issues important advice to anyone with 'clicking knees'

 An ITV doctor has claimed that there are a few things people who notice a problematic symptom in their knees should do about it. His advice doesn't involve medication, and he says following his guidance could make all the difference when it comes to a condition that can affect "all of us".

People might notice that, as they get older, body parts might make an odd noise. One problem area that tends to attract attention when people sit down or stand up is their knees.

A listener asked Dr Amir Khan on his No Appointments Necessary podcast show if any foods or exercises can help after noticing that they have 'clicking knees'. The practising GP, who regularly appears in ITV programmes like Lorraine and Good Morning Britain, said that most cases might sound alarming - but it's rarely a cause for concern.

"If it's not painful or sore, chances are it's just fluid moving around your knee as you bend down or move," he said. "Sometimes, though, you can get something called crepitus in your knee." The GP demonstrated a simple test to feel what's going on by placing a hand over the kneecap and extending your leg.

He also mentioned a condition known as osteoarthritis. According to the NHS, it causes joints to become painful and stiff.

He said that the best way to manage the condition, if this is what causes the 'clicking', is to "keep moving". He continued: "Movement stimulates fluid and cushioning into that joint.

"Keep walking, keep running, doing whatever exercise you're doing. Keep a healthy weight as well because it keeps the pressure off the joint."

What is osteoarthritis?

The NHS describes osteoarthritis as a condition that causes joints to become painful and stiff. It is one of the most common types of arthritis that is diagnosed in the UK.

In England alone, approximately one in five adults over the age of 45 has osteoarthritis of the knee, according to Arthritis Research UK. The same research suggests that one in nine people has the condition in their hips.

In the podcast clip, Dr Khan said that this condition comes due to "wear and tear of the joint", adding that "it happens to all of us". The severity of osteoarthritis symptoms can vary greatly from person to person and between different affected joints.

Your risk of developing the condition increases as you get older. Other risk factors include obesity, joint injury and family history.

According the the NHS, women are at greater risk of developing the condition compared to men. There's no cure for osteoarthritis, but the condition does not necessarily get any worse over time.

To help determine whether you have osteoarthritis, speak to your GP, who can carry out tests based on your symptoms and an examination of your joints. If your symptoms are slightly different, this may indicate another joint condition.